News

Young’s Seafood Limited Review Shellfish Operations

25 May 2012

UK - Young’s Seafood Limited has announced that the review of its shellfish operations, and the eight month consultation at the Cromer Crab Company, have come to a conclusion. Other than Cromer crab, which will continue to be processed locally, the volume from this site will be transferred and consolidated into Young’s factories in Grimsby as this is the most financially viable and sustainable option, for shellfish processing, for the long-term.

Factors considered included short-term and long-term costs, financial sustainability, quality and technical requirements, and the manufacturing capabilities of the site. Unfortunately the phased transfer of volume is likely to result in the closure of the Cromer Crab Company site with the loss of the remaining 109 jobs between June and August this year.

Pete Ward, Chief Operating Officer of Young’s Seafood Limited, said: “We have looked long and hard at this and I’d like to stress that this move does not, in any way, reflect on the committed and experienced team in Cromer. Their passion and pride in Cromer crab is commendable and the work they do has always been outstanding."

"Shellfish processing remains important to our company, as we consolidate shellfish processing in Grimsby. Our priority is to continue to fulfil customer contracts, alongside ensuring that the employees affected by this announcement get the support they need by working closely with them, local agencies and other key stakeholders.”

Young’s Seafood Limited remains committed to buying from local fishermen, while keeping Cromer crab processing local, and is continuing work to finalise the best local option for this. Commenting on this, Pete Ward, added: “We are today confirming that we will ensure that the Cromer Crab brand stays in its rightful home in Cromer, by working with local stakeholders on how we can give the Cromer community the right to use this brand name into the future.”